Violent Ultimatum MTG Card


Powerful board control through targeted removal of three opponent permanents with one cast. Demands a three-color commitment and intricate mana base in deck-building strategies. Serves as a versatile late-game tool, pivoting the game’s direction to your advantage.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Destroy three target permanents.

"Words are a waste of time. Destruction is a language everyone understands." —Sarkhan Vol


Cards like Violent Ultimatum

Violent Ultimatum’s entry into the realm of Magic: The Gathering has players examining its impact among its peers in the tri-color card segment. Its ability to destroy up to three target permanents in a single cast makes it an analog to Decimate. Both cards offer a broad removal capability, a handy tool during complex board states. However, Violent Ultimatum’s flexibility stems from its lack of the requirement that Decimate has, which must have four distinct targets to be played.

Considering cards with similar functions, we come across Ruinous Ultimatum – a forceful board sweep that can completely reset the opponent’s battlefield. While it doesn’t offer the selective targeting of Violent Ultimatum, its comprehensive sweep is a game-changer in its own right. At the other end of the spectrum is Dreadbore, a more accessible option for removing creatures or planeswalkers. Although less comprehensive than Violent Ultimatum, its lower cost makes it easier to incorporate into multiple stages of the game.

Assessing these cards alongside Violent Ultimatum, it stands out for its precise targeted removal and can be a valuable asset. Whether or not this card becomes a mainstay in players’ decks hinges on their strategy preference and style of play in the evolving MTG landscape.

Decimate - MTG Card versions
Ruinous Ultimatum - MTG Card versions
Dreadbore - MTG Card versions
Decimate - MTG Card versions
Ruinous Ultimatum - MTG Card versions
Dreadbore - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Violent Ultimatum by color, type and mana cost

Flesh // Blood - MTG Card versions
Flesh // Blood - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cast Violent Ultimatum to strategically dismantle your opponent’s board, as it allows you to target and destroy three permanents in one go. This level of removal is exceptional for tilting the scales in your favor, ensuring you maintain superior control of the game.

Resource Acceleration: While Violent Ultimatum itself does not directly provide resource acceleration, it efficiently paves the way for your threats to hit the battlefield unhindered. By removing your opponent’s resources, you effectively accelerate your own game plan towards victory.

Instant Speed: This powerful sorcery, when combined with cards or abilities that allow you to cast sorceries as though they had flash, can catch an opponent off-guard. Manipulating it to behave as an instant can lead to devastating consequences for your adversary during their most vulnerable moments.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Violent Ultimatum does not force a card discard upon playing, although managing resources is still crucial when incorporating this card into your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Its specific mana cost demands a commitment to three colors—red, black, and green—which challenges deck-building flexibility and may necessitate a more complex mana base for consistent play.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The seven-mana cost is steep, making Violent Ultimatum a late-game play. This high demand can often overshadow the potential impact, as faster, more cost-efficient alternatives may be more conducive to an effective game plan.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Violent Ultimatum offers a dynamic range of options for players seeking to control the game’s pace. It can obliterate multiple threats at once, making it a flexible choice for a variety of deck builds that need powerful removal options.

Combo Potential: The card is a catalyst for numerous combos, providing a massive board swing. When paired with cards that benefit from spell casting or destruction of enemy permanents, it can act as a game-changer, setting the stage for a decisive victory.

Meta-Relevance: In metas crowded with creature-heavy or planeswalker-focused decks, Violent Ultimatum clears the way for your win condition. Its critical impact in the late game can often be the turning point against formidable board states.


How to beat

Violent Ultimatum presents itself as a powerful spell in the arsenal of Magic: The Gathering players, known for its ability to target and destroy three permanents in one swift move. This robust removal capability cans often stack the odds in its caster’s favor. However, like all cards, it’s not invincible, and its seven-mana cost leaves room for strategic counterplay.

To effectively counter Violent Ultimatum, it’s essential to focus on mana disruption or spell counters. Land destruction or denial strategies can hinder your opponent’s ability to muster the necessary mana, therefore limiting their use of this high-impact card. Counterspells, such as Mana Leak or Negate, offer a direct way to stop the Ultimatum in its tracks, requiring precise timing and the anticipation of your opponent’s moves. Swiftfoot Boots or Lightning Greaves can provide your key permanents with hexproof or shroud, rendering them untouchable by the Ultimatum.

Understanding and anticipating the game state is crucial when facing heavy hitters like Violent Ultimatum. By keeping a keen eye on the resources at play and maintaining a strategy to protect your board or disrupt your opponent’s, you can maintain the upper hand despite the explosive nature of such a formidable spell.


BurnMana Recommendations

Violent Ultimatum is a potent tool for MTG players looking to orchestrate decisive moments in match play. With its power to remove three targets, it reshapes the game, offering a striking advantage. Integrating this card into your deck invites complex strategies that leverage both its strengths and nuanced vulnerabilities. For those who thrive on controlling the board and manipulating the pace of the game, Violent Ultimatum is a brilliant addition to your collection. Enhance your MTG experience by incorporating this dynamic card into your lineup. Delve further into its strategic uses with us and discover how to optimize your deck’s potential.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Violent Ultimatum MTG card by a specific set like Shards of Alara and Mystery Booster, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Violent Ultimatum and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Violent Ultimatum Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2008-10-03 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Raymond Swanland.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12008-10-03Shards of AlaraALA 2062003NormalBlackRaymond Swanland
22019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 15062003NormalBlackRaymond Swanland
32020-09-26The ListPLST ALA-2062003NormalBlackRaymond Swanland

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Violent Ultimatum has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Violent Ultimatum card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2008-10-01 You must target three different permanents. If some of the permanents become illegal targets before the spell resolves, Violent Ultimatum will still destroy the rest of them.